The Somfy RS 485 Range offers a comprehensive variety of motorised solutions for the custom installer. With both wired and wireless options available, the products have the versatility required to manage all Somfy applications in a home automation environment.

The new RS 485 RTS Transmitter is the ideal solution for wireless control of Somfy powered blinds, curtains, screens and lifts. Capable of interfacing with major 3rd party control systems such as Crestron, AMX and Control 4 who have all developed their own drivers for ease of integration. The unit is easy to install and commission and is capable of managing up to 16 groups of Somfy RTS motorised products (curtains, Venetian blinds, roller shades awnings etc) individually or as a group. The unit has five dry contact input ports as an additional control option

Other products included in the range are the Somfy RS485 4ILT interface which can control up to four Somfy ILT motors and provide bi-directional communication for perfect alignment and exact blind positioning. The RS 485 ILT interface is also compatible with all universal infrared remote controls, can control motors individually and has the option to create eight different scenes. The latest product, which will be launched later this year, is the new Sonesse™ 30 RS 485 quiet drive motor. This is an intelligent motor designed for powering a range of interior blind and screen applications. Some of the key features of the Sonesse™ 30 RS 485 motor include bi-directional serial communication with third party control systems via RS 485, the ability to provide 16 intermediate positions, feedback for exact motor position for precise control from third party systems and also rated at 44 dBa to provide quiet operation.

“The launch of 485 RTS Transmitter should make Somfy products the first-choice for custom installers looking for competitively priced motorised blinds and screens,” says Charlotte Townend, Market Manager at Somfy. “The ability to integrate Somfy powered solutions with third party control systems is a great feature that will be welcomed by custom installers, and by those looking to fully exploit the potential for motorisation. Our wide range of solutions will deliver an installation offering high functionality for the client,that is feature-rich with in-built reliability and high performance.”

One of the key benefits of the Somfy solutions is convenience for the end-user. Offering homeowners complete control over all of the applications in their home, from the ability to instantly check which curtains are drawn open or closed, whether screens are up, down or in a favourite position, awnings are retracted, all at the touch of a button - from anywhere in the property. This centralised control is the cornerstone of Somfy Home Motion.

For advice on how best to incorporate the RS485 RTS Transmitter and other Somfy products into a home automation installation, contact Somfy:

www.somfysmarthome.co.uk

In a joint initiative, Crestron has teamed up with market leading solar shading and security specialists, Somfy to offer a new control interface for Somfy’s wireless RTS motors.

The CI-SOMFY-RTS can wirelessly control the up and down position of Somfy controlled curtains, shades, drapes, skylights, as well as the tilting of venetian blinds. Additional features such as storing and recall of a preferred position and Activation/Deactivation of sun protection on some Somfy RTS motors are integrated in the CI-SOMFY-RTS.

The CI-SOMFY-RTS is an RS485 system integration module that connects a Crestron Control system directly to multiple Somfy wireless RTS motors.  Offering significant control capability, the CI-SOMFY-RTS can control up to 16 groups of SOMFY RTS motors and receivers. 
As Robin van Meeuwen, Crestron’s MD and International Sales Director explains, “Our close working relationships with other market leading manufacturers, means that we can develop these partnerships to deliver real benefit to our dealers and their customers.  Alongside lighting control, automating blinds, windows, shades and shutters is a key part of many commercial and residential projects and being able to offer complementary technologies is something from which the market can truly benefit.”

Source "Crestron UK" Click here for further information
 

PASSIVE SUN-SHADING DESIGN - Cladding Renzo Piano’s Shard

Click here for further information

Date : 12/05/2010

Click here to view the latest Somfy Architecture newsletter.

Courses are either more Specifier or Installer focused by either concentrating on the theory and specification or practical installation. Training sessions are hosted at Somfy’s specification office in London, however if there is high demand for training from companies based in the North alternative training sessions can be arranged and held at Somfy’s head office in Leeds.

Course overview

Commercial blind control specifiers

Basic Level - Introduction to commercial building solutions

Aimed at those who are becoming increasingly involved with commercial blind applications and require a deeper understanding of what solutions are currently available for commercial building applications such as schools, offices etc. This module will provide an introduction to Somfy’s commercial building solutions, presenting a basic overview of the Animeo façade control product range along with a functionality overview for each system available.

The module will also highlight the important considerations that should be made when specifying control systems in order to provide specifiers with more confidence when specifying and providing installation advice. The module will also provide an outline of service and support Somfy commercial division are able to provide to both installers and specifiers.

• 5th October 2010

Intermediate level - commercial building solutions

This course is only available to those who have attended the Basic Level – Introduction to commercial building solutions and those who require a more in-depth understanding of the Animeo façade controls and system components. Providing an introduction to Bioclimatic Façades, along with practical demonstration of the Animeo Quick Quote specification tool, which enables those producing tender documents to simply and easily generate a specification document for Animeo IB+. The course will also provide a comprehensive demonstration of Animeo operating and commissioning software program along with a presentation of the new DISC simulation
tool.

Course dates available:
• 8th April 2010
• 7th December 2010

Electrical blind control Installer - modules

Installation and commissioning of blind control systems

Installation and commissioning of blind control systems. This module is aimed at electrical blind installers and commissioning engineers. Providing a detailed overview of the Animeo motor control range along with a technical summary of features and installation advantages. This module provides the opportunity to take part in a practical workshop of the installation process; including fault finding and a demonstration of Somfy’s advanced operating and commissioning software.

Course dates available:
• 8th April 2010
• 7th December 2010

Courses: 10.00am – 15.00pm. (Lunch included)
 

We are please to announce that a new Somfy KNX product database is now available in the following languages:

• English
• German
• Dutch
• French
• Danish
• Finish 

The new Somfy KNX product data base includes all KNX products that can be found in the CBS catalogue 2010/2011

Products include;

• KNX Motor controllers (Moco's)
• AS315N weather station
• ILT Interface 510i
• KNX system components.

To request training for the new product database Click here or contact a member of the London team directly T: 0207 288 6038

Click on the following link to download the database
Somfy_KNX_product_database_DEC_09.zip

You may import the new Somfy KNX product data base into your existing ETS3 database. However we recommend that you create a new ETS3 database and import the new Somfy KNX product database into that.

Somfy have taken further action towards green solutions by working with Lund University to develop a new energy saving simulation tool based on the "Derob-engine" which evaluates the impact of using solar shading in buildings. The tool aims to provide an estimated saving of energy saving when applying automatically controlled solar shading. 

Objectives:
To provide a high quality, reliable energy saving simulation tool that they can used to calculate the potential energy savings in buildings (residential or commercial) when using automated solar shading systems.
 
From ParaSol…
Lund university has developed a simulation tool called ParaSol. ParaSol is running on a sophisticated building physics process simulation program; the “Derob-engine”. To know more about the Parasol tool see http://www.parasol.se

The “Derob-engine”
The “Derob-engine” was developed in the U.S.A and came to Europe in the 90's, to act as the foundation for many European energy saving simulation tools. Somfy has signed a contract with the Lund University to use the “Derob-engine” of the ParaSol tool worldwide.

To use the existing ParaSol tool requires a high level of building services (HVAC) knowledge and expertise. This “problem” is confirmed by many other ParaSol users. Somfy expressed as a prerequisite to have an energy saving simulation tool that can be used by a broader audience. To accomplish this user-friendly user-interface has been developed by GoSoft (Gothenburg Sweden) without comprimising the validity of the calculations.

This graphical simplification has been approved by the Division of Energy and Building Design, Department of Construction and Architecture, Lund Institute of Technology, Lund University.

What kind of output does the tool give?
The tool provides the user with detailed report and information about the potential energy saving that can be accomplished when applying automated solar shading systems

How is the tool positioned compared to other tools?
The tool is built around a “representative cell” of the building. This is normal and very often used in many simulation tools around the world, for the simple fact that a complete thermal modelling would take too much time and require a high level of specialised competence to execute. The simulation tool will give you a high quality indication of the energy savings that can be accomplished

What are the limitations of the tool?

• It is only possible to simulate a cell/room and not the complete building
• Savings are expressed in % comparison, between one and the other configuration
• The results given provide a high quality indication of the savings that can be made when using automated solar shading and can’t be guaranteed
• The results given provide a strong indication of the saving that can be found while executing a complete thermal modelling of a building

Click here for further information or call ++44 (0) 207 288 6038

Somfy had been working with international hotel chains for 10 years, on every continents, in many cities. Our expertise in openings & closures, has served hospitality demand for more luxury, comfort, technology, differentiation and energy saving. Many prestigious top international hotel chains are using Somfy systems throughout their buildings.

The hospitality sector is constantly required to meet new demands and challenges: to provide increasingly personalised services, design innovation and unique concepts, compliance with new environmental legislation and cost management.

Discover, in detail, based on our international experience with key clients in the hospitality sector what kind of contribution Somfy can provide design innovation and enhance guest experiences in your hotel project.

We are able to provide answers to operating cost management, REVPAR and ADR...

-> download the pdf brochure

-> contact us: hospitality@somfy.com
 

Somfy are one of the latest major manufacturers to become a member of the KNX Association representing manufacturers, systems integrators, distributors, users and training establishments for KNX technology in the United Kingdom.

Somfy are an active patron of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), reinforcing the company's commitment to strengthen the quality of the building services industry.
 
CIBSE's Patron's scheme was set-up as a way of developing closer links between the institution and organisations involved in the building services industry. Patrons work together to use their wide ranging expertise to strengthen the building services industry, through collaboration and co-operation with CIBSE and other related organisations. Patrons funds and voluntary resources are used to support initiatives and innovations that have a direct relationship to the betterment of the building services industry, and which encourage the use of best practice in sustainability, health & safety, environmental quality and work efficiencies, recruitment, education and other matters concerning the industry.

To learn more about CIBSE please visit http://www.cibse.org/

 

Somfy offer a RIBA approved CPD programme to architects and consultants across the UK.

Title: "Complying with building regulations part L2 through dynamic facade management systems"
Providing new ideas and solutions for designing façades, taking into account part L2.

– Drivers of change/facts
– Part L2 requirements
– Dynamic façades/windows solutions can help comply with Part L2
– Limiting solar heat gain and glare
– Considerations when designing dynamic façades
– Case figures
– Calculation tools
– Dynamic solar shading vs manual
– Automatic natural ventilation and weather seasons adapted
– Dynamic façades (night cooling)
– animeo solutions
– Impact of poor design on user’s visual and thermal comfort
– Impact of discomfort on productivity
– Other benefits of automation and facade management systems
– UK/International references

Duration: 45-60 mins

Somfy is a partner of the International Union of Architects (UIA). (UIA's) primary mission is to allow architects to compare ideas and experiences, expand their knowledge in order to improve living and environmental conditions. 

Somfy is a partner of the UIA to:

• promote the rise of new and emerging technologies and encourage dynamic architectural creativity and ideas
• encourage the acceptance of sustainable development in the built environment.
  
  http://www.uia-architectes.org/texte/england/Menu-1/4-club.html

The European Solar-Shading Organization (ES-SO) is an umbrella body representing the European solar shading  and roller shutter industry. Its objectives are to provide a permanent point of contact between its members and the European authorities, and to demonstrate that solar shading can make a substantial contribution to energy saving. 

http://www.es-so.com

This year, the seminar was held in Quarto d'Altino, near Venice, from October 14th to 19th 2008. More than 120 participants were present at the event, amongst them were architects, heat engineers, investors and facade contractors... Over 15 nationalities were represented: Brazil, Mexico, The United States, China, Vietnam, Thailand, France, The United Kingdom, Portugal, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates...

The seminar's main agenda: Energy performance of buildings. Speakers, from different backgrounds and experiences, brought forth the facade through various angles: new challenges, solutions, such as automated solar protection, sharing experiences...1

EuroACE is an association based in Brussels, comprised of 22 companies specialized in manufacturing, distributing and installing products and services related to energy efficiency in buildings.

Their mission is to work with European organizations in order to help the European Union hold their commitment, in conformance to the Kyoto Protocol. in 2008, EuroAce namely answered to the call for contributors to recast the EPBD (Energy Performance in Buildings Directive), source of all national thermal regulation for members states of the European Union. EuroACE is a partner of EEW (Energy Efficiency Watch Initiative) and a part of the ASIEPI project (Assessment and Improvement of the EPBD Impact).

Buildings definitely play their part in GHG emission and therefore in global climate change. Even if strategies and technologies such as Bioclimatic Facades exist, the building industry still moves only slowly towards true sustainability. Having taken this into account, the UNEP has decided to coordinate a sectoral initiative, UNEP-SBCI, to promote worldwide adoption of sustainable buildings and construction practices.

http://www.unepsbci.org/